Lion House

4.7★

3 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets No
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Features

Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

37 Customer Review(s)

Jackie
September 2024

“Loved the cottage's quirkiness.”

Kitchen very well stocked, although it could do with a spare cupboard to store some food in. We've never cooked on an Aga before but if was absolutely fine when we got used to it (after one very well-done cooked breakfast!) Bed very comfortable. Moretonhampstead can get very busy, traffic-wise and could do with a one-way system around the square as larger lorries and buses caused a few traffic jams but parking in the car park was fine.

Kitchen very well stocked, although it could do with a spare cupboard to store some food in. We've never cooked on an Aga before but if was absolutely fine when we got used to it (after one very well-done cooked breakfast!) Bed very comfortable. Moretonhampstead can get very busy, traffic-wise and could do with a one-way system around the square as larger lorries and buses caused a few traffic jams but parking in the car park was fine.

- Jackie, September 2024
Jonathan September 2024

“We very much enjoyed our stay at Lion House.”

The property was very nice and clean when we arrived and we were impressed by the quality of the fixtures and fittings - most comfortable.

- Jonathan, September 2024
Jon July 2024

“It is difficult to find words to express what a truly beautiful property Lion House is and to add to what has already been said in other reviews.”

It is a fantastic accommodation in a perfect location. There is nothing to not like. You would be hard to find better.

- Jon, July 2024
Matthias June 2024

“Amazing old bank building with nice old features like the original safe door, great decor, modern touches, huge roof terrace, all right in the centre of the town.”

We were given an online permit for free parking. Very comfortable, we slept well and enjoyed our week. Definitely a place to go back to.

- Matthias, June 2024
Deborah June 2024

“Second time at Lion House and look forward to going back.”

Very comfortable spacious house in ideal location for exploring all of Dartmoor. Collecting the key is easy and owner arranged a parking permit for the week which we appreciated. Were able to park by front door for offloading.

- Deborah, June 2024
Jim June 2024

“Lion House was beautifully appointed and provided an exceptionally comfortable stay.”

Its location in the centre of the town and near the Coop supermarket, the Zero Waste shop and the butchers/deli proved very handy. Given there is very limited parking outside the house it was very helpful to have an online parking permit for the nearby car parks. I'd have liked to have a plastic washing up bowl and a draining board as it was unnecessary for two of us to use the dishwasher....given the china sink ,I was apprehensive of breaking crockery while washing up.

- Jim, June 2024
Audrey May 2024

“This is a stunning holiday cottage.”

I would not have considered Moretonhampstead had I not seen the photographs of Lion House which led me to book. The property itself exceeded all expectations. We cooked on an aga for the first time and made 3 delicious meals. We did not do as much touring as we thought we might because Lion House is such a lovely space to be in. I would definitely return if only to start working my way through the excellent book collection at the top of the stairs. Highly recommended for all seasons.

- Audrey, May 2024
H May 2024

“Lion House is a fantastic base from which to explore Dartmoor.”

It is a very spacious and comfortable house with a lovely roof terrace. Inside it is wonderfully quiet, but when you go out the door you are in the middle of Moretonhampstead with shops, restaurants and pubs. We enjoyed our holiday at Lion House and heartily recommend it.

- H, May 2024
David April 2024

“Aga not working, tv not working but rectified after 4 days, owner aware it wasnt working before our visit.”

Problems with closing key safe. All this led to many calls to and from the owner three tradesmen visits. Not at all relaxing. If you had advertised the house as having only a microwave for cooking and having no TV we wouldn't have booked it. Such a shame because it's a beautiful property.

- David, April 2024

Hi David thanks for your comments and sorry that your stay at Lion House wasnt what it should have been. Here is my reply to the points you raised. Aga. I had no idea that the AGA was not working prior to your arrival.You informed me on Sunday afternoon that the AGA was not working. I arranged for a local handyman to visit, which he did that evening. He could not get the AGA working. I arranged for a specialist AGA engineer to visit on the Monday. Unfortunately he confirmed that two parts were needed. I offered to pay for your breakfast that day. TV. I was aware of an issue with reception to BBC channels only, all other channels were working before your arrival. The TV engineer arrived on Tuesday and fixed the issue. The Ariel engineer sprayed the key lock with DW40 and resolved the issue. I am glad that you agreed Lion House was a beautiful property and as way of recompense, would like to offer you a complimentary stay later this year. Michael. Property Owner
Martin March 2024

“This was my second stay in the Lion House.”

It is the perfect base to explore beautiful Dartmoor. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and has a lot of character. Really enjoy staying here. Recommend the French bread van that parks right outside on a Tuesday and Saturday morning. Look forward to staying here again in the future. Thank you Michael for being a great host.

- Martin, March 2024

Hi Martin, glad to hear you had a good time, thanks for the feedback. Michael Property Owner
Kaye December 2023

“We had a great stay at lion house, loved the bank features still in place and loved using the aga to cook on.”

Loads of walks straight from the door meant that we didn't need to use the car once. Michael was excellent at keeping us informed about our stay.

- Kaye, December 2023
Kevin October 2023

“A lovely quirky week away.”

Lion House is set centrally in the town yet is very quiet, most particularly in the main bedroom. The host is very polite and attentive but we found that we didn’t need to contact him during the stay as everything was well organised. We would like to stay again…

- Kevin, October 2023
Michael September 2023

“The house is very comfortable and in a good location for touring both Dartmoor and South Devon Coast.”

There was plenty of space in the living and sleeping areas. The accomodation was top class and upto the usual Sykes standards. We have some minor observations - The bed linen did not seem to be ironed before our arrival. It is a bit akward using the aga cooker - I wouldn't want to use one again. And the key collection site was not convenient.

- Michael, September 2023

Thank you for your feedback your comments have been taken on board. Hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
M September 2023

“We had a really lovely stay and thoroughly enjoyed Lion House.”

Moretonhampstead is a charming place, a real community, and we had some lovely walks. Michael was very helpful (especially when we temporarily lost the key!). We were grateful for the parking permit. We have only a couple of details to comment on. The fridge was missing its door shelves, which meant, for example, that one had to put milk in the vegetable drawer; we were rather short of space. The arrangement in the single bedroom, with no bedside table or light anywhere near, was inconvenient.

- M, September 2023
Johannes August 2023

“A very nice, interesting accommodation with a nice flair.”

The kitchen is georgeous and well equipped (thought a few more forks would be conviinient). The only thing you have to get used to is the AGA, a very special hearth/oven not easy to cook with for the uninformed. There is a mobile electric cooking device available, but ist is rather weak. So, when we finally started to figure the AGA out, our stay was over… :-) The butcher and the vegetable shop are small but very nice. Unfortunately, we did not manage to visit the motor museum. Great place, nice small village

- Johannes, August 2023
Martin March 2023

“Absolutely loved Lion House.”

So much so that I've already booked for next year. Lots of character and in a great location. Perfectly placed to explore beautiful Dartmoor. Nice that original features have been kept from when this was the village bank. Lovely Aga, very comfy bed, great facilities (dishwasher, washing machine etc). Recommend the French artisan bread van (The Van du Pain) that parks right outside on Tuesday and Saturday morning. Shame the weather wasn't kinder so I could have spent more time enjoying the nice roof terrace. Great communication from friendly host. Thank you

- Martin, March 2023
Alan November 2022

“Amazing property in the centre of this small delightful town.”

The home has lots of character being a bank at one time and still retains some features. It has an Aga in the kitchen which is an excellent way to dry clothes. Comfortable bedroom, nice bathroom and fantastic roof garden. Three pubs within a few seconds walk. Apparently the car parks are now charging year round so make use of the parking space at the key collection point. Only park outside Lion House to unload and load. There are just a few spaces and people are desperate to park and will get in with inches to spare.

- Alan, November 2022
Deborah October 2022

“Lovely quirky accommodation.”

Location is fabulous across road were 2 pubs, large coop few doors down. Ideal for exploring Dartmoor.

- Deborah, October 2022
Peggy &; Ian October 2022

“We enjoyed our stay at Lion House The location is great a few doors down from the grocery store, butcher and greengrocer.”

We liked the finishes in the home. It felt more like someone's home rather than a rental. It's a shame it was cold while we were there as we would have loved to sit out on the private upstairs deck.

- Peggy &; Ian, October 2022
Deborah September 2022

“Lion House is top quality.”

We were very comfortable and enjoyed the luxury of having so much space for just the two of us. If you want to be on Dartmoor then the location cannot be beaten, with walks from the door in all directions. Moretonhampstead has everything you need for a week's stay, including a choice of good places to eat.

- Deborah, September 2022
Michael September 2022

“This is a quirky property as described in the listing.”

A convenient location for exploring the Dartmoor NP with plenty of good walks without getting the car out. The house is comfortably furnished and we found it constantly nice and warm as the Aga is switched on continuously. The shower in the bathroom is very effective. The property is well equipped, the only thing we couldn't find was place mats for the dining table. The kitchen-diner is located in the old bank vault at the back of the building and has little natural light so is consequently a little gloomy. The roof terrace is large, sunny and surprisingly private. The owners are contactable by phone/text, helpful and responsive. Parking directly outside the property is possible but relies on lucky timing in the evening. During the day it is limited to one hour. There is an allocated space about 5 mins walk from the property. It is marked private and that mostly seems to be respected. We did find a white van parked in the space when we returned one afternoon after a day out. There are two public car parks we are free between 6:00pm and 8:00am if necessary. Household rubbish needs to be disposed into communal bins around the town on a daily basis. In Moretonhampstead, the mobile phone signal was non-existent for O2 (not sure about other networks) so make sure you have contacted the owners and received arrival instructions ideally before travelling to the property.

- Michael, September 2022
Tracey September 2022

“We really enjoyed our week at the Lion house, initially we weren’t sure on how to use the Aga but after speaking to the owner it was easy to use and lovely for jacket potatoes.”

We also had an issue with the TV service which after phoning the owner an engineer arrived the next day and all was sorted within 24 hours. The Lion house was a lovely place to stay and has everything you should need, but to be honest the places to eat nearby were excellent so if you want a totally relaxing holiday with nice walks on the moor and also close enough to travel to the coast.this is the place to stay.

- Tracey, September 2022
Ruth June 2022

“Lion House is absolutely gorgeous.”

Very well equipped and comfortable. The roof terrace is amazing. Lovely location,lovely property.

- Ruth, June 2022
Martin May 2022

“We really enjoyed staying at Lion House for our week.”

Moretonhampstead is a nice place with good local cafés and pubs. Quite popular with cyclists and of course walkers. The house is spacious and has everything you need for a good holiday on Dartmoor. We especially liked the kitchen with Aga and of course the rooftop space from the bedroom ! It has a homely feel to the place. Nice selection of books to read too. There is a great mobile bakery twice a week outside the front door! The off road parking was close by as well. It's a good base from which to explore Dartmoor.

- Martin, May 2022
Lisa April 2022

“Such a quirky, in a good way, property!”

Clean, well equipped, all correspondence with owners friendly and prompt. We had a little issue with the aga, fixed immediately. We loved the area all pubs and shops friendly and welcoming. We will be back to Lion House, the roof terrace is such a lovely place to while away the hours with a glass of something! We had the added bonus of sunshine!

- Lisa, April 2022
Karen February 2022

“Had a great time in this quirky, unusual converted bank.”

The bed was the most comfortable we have ever slept in, super king! The roof terrace is a lovely space with great views. The location was so convenient for shops, cafes, pubs being in the centre of town but still quiet.

- Karen, February 2022
Janice October 2021

“Lovely spacious holiday let felt like home as soon we walked in.”

Carpets a bit tired but that does not effect you stay its cosy and comfortable. In a good area for walking and visiting the local area.The local people are friendly and helpful. Ther were no problems parking as we were allocated private parking. Key safe easy to find.i took my mum there for her 80 birthday present she loved it she said it was amazing.

- Janice, October 2021
Mandy August 2021

“Lovely property with some unique and original features from its former bank days.”

Very comfortable stay. Would recommend.

- Mandy, August 2021
Charlotte August 2021

“Lion House was a very comfortable spacious property, carpets were a little tired & scruffy in places.”

The only draw back for us was the parking, the private car park we were told to use was extremely busy at times & we could rarely park directly outside the Lion House bit tricky when you have suitcases to unload/load into the car, plus their was parking restrictions too. We had a lovely holiday in Devon.

- Charlotte, August 2021

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. Lion House is listed with 'parking is available in a public car park nearby.' This is indeed the case. The owner has also arranged for a space in a private car park for guests staying between April and September and there are a number of one hour bays available on the street, too. Moretonhampstead can be busy in the summer season, though there are options available. For this reason the owner has identified alternative parking options and this information is emailed to each customer prior to arrival. Property Owner
Jane August 2021

“Lion house is a lovely place to stay in, clean and comfortable it was a good place for us to stay”

- Jane, August 2021
Christopher July 2021

“The property was lovely, the lack of pantry space was the only minor disappointment.”

The rooftop seating area was perfect

- Christopher, July 2021
Janet July 2021

“Lion House is an excellent base for a visit to Devon.”

Very comfortable and the terrace is amazing. Within a couple of minutes easy walking there are plenty of places to eat and drink (we would recommend The Gateway and The Horse and The Union for pub grub). There are also plenty of shops should you wish to eat in. There is so much to do all within about an hours drive. It was so hot when we were there we hit the beaches. Our favourite was South Milton Sands but Shaldon (Ness Cove) came a close second. All in all one of the best holidays we have had. Hope to make Lion House our home from home again in the future.

- Janet, July 2021
Philip July 2021

“The listing on Sykes detailed an immaculate property, in reality the property is very tired and In need of some TLC.”

The property is very well located for travelling around Devon and has great access to Dartmoor, the village is served by some great pubs, restaurants, coffee cafe and grocery shopping. The property is large and has all you need, although it could do with stocking some of the more basic items, the roof terrace is a great space when the weather is kind.

- Philip, July 2021
Ann July 2021

“Amazing accommodation, very clean and very helpful host.”

Superb location with lots of pubs and cafe's clse by.

- Ann, July 2021
Ruth June 2021

“Lion House was absolutely gorgeous.”

Didnt want to leave it!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Ruth, June 2021
Alison May 2021

“Lion House, Moretonhampstead is just wonderful.”

The house itself is immaculately clean and in a great location for Dartmoor. The facilities at the house are all of high quality and the hosts really helpful. Parking is easily available on street outside Lion House. A great venue in a super location.

- Alison, May 2021
Diane April 2021

“Lion House needs to be experienced.”

We would recommend it 100%. It was spacious with a touch of luxury. The host swiftly answered text messages, so key collection was very easy and we were able to meet to say hello. Parking was not a problem at all. Lion House was well kitted out. The bed was huge with fresh, white linen sheets and soft, plump pillows. The shower was fantastic and there was an Aga in the kitchen (the safe) which gave gentle warmth for our April visit. The well furnished, decked roof terrace was a pleasure to enjoy with both sunny and shady areas. It is perfectly situated, with the 'tourist information' next door, cafe's and independent shops dotted around; a green-grocers, bakers and a butcher's shop that sold delicious pasties, pies and scotch eggs all ready to take on the enjoyable walks around Moretonhamstead. The co-op was a few doors up ~ our perpetual cupboard! Whatever we needed was just a short walk away, and the French market (a man in a yellow van) arrived twice while we were there, selling mouth-watering tarts both sweet and savoury ~ and amazing breads, just outside the front door! I think you can tell ~ we liked it a lot and would love to return one day.

- Diane, April 2021

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with TV, 1 x ground-floor single
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Cloakroom with basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
Sitting room with woodburner
Gas central heating
Gas fired AGA oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, Smart TV, TV, selection of books, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Parking is available in a public car park nearby
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
First-floor roof terrace with outdoor furniture
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Shop and pub 0.1 mile

The property

This unique holiday home can be found on the town square of the thriving moorland market town of Moretonhampstead, offering three guests a beautiful residence to call home while exploring the Dartmoor National Park.

Lion House was formerly a bank and still retains some original features from this time, nowadays elegantly decorated to present a perfect base in the Devonshire countryside.

Enter into the glazed entrance lobby, indicative of the building's former life, and step inside the sophisticated sitting room featuring high ceilings throughout the ground floor, with sofas and armchairs to relax on while the woodburner glows into the evening and a film plays on the Smart TV.

The first bedroom on the ground floor can be found off the central vestibule boasting a single bed, a feature ornate fireplace and a window overlooking a tiny courtyard, along with a cloakroom here too.

Admire the original strong room door and cell-like gate guarding the entrance to the kitchen/diner, with a wealth of excellent appliances in here for rustling up delicious meals, a gas fired AGA being one of them, with a lovely dining table to gather around amidst the country style décor.

Hold onto the rope handrail as you head up to the first floor, passing a quaint porthole window on the landing before coming to the pristine bathroom, featuring a bath with an overhead shower and those with a keen attention to detail will spot the lion motif in the basin.

The master bedroom rests on this floor too, with a roomy super-king-size bed to indulge in, antique furniture and a TV, it's a delightful space.

From this room you can access the spacious roof terrace, unwind on the outdoor furniture up here at the end of the day with some drinks, with its decorative balustrade overlooking the cobbled, bustling town square below.

Delight in being in the heart of Moretonhampstead and just a stroll from everything you need, including shops, cafés and pubs, with the town being home to an open-air swimming pool in the summertime and a starting point for plenty of countryside walks.

The 90-mile circular route of The Dartmoor Way is the perfect starting point for newcomers to the area to get started on their exploration, with the route linking quaint villages and hamlets to the next with range of scenery from wild upland to quiet country lanes, there's something for everyone.

Hire some bikes and get out on the moors with mountain bikers sure to love cycling across the moorland or along forest trails, while road cyclists can look forward to tackling the hilly terrain in and around Moretonhampstead, all whilst soaking up the stunning views and scenery.

Don't miss the chance to visit the adorable Miniature Pony Centre which is home to a wonderful array of animals with the main event being the sweet ponies and their cuddly babies, with indoor and outdoor play areas and a café too.

Marvel at the collection of over 90 vintage and classic vehicles at Moretonhampstead Motor Museum and be fascinated by the artefacts and automobilia, along with a real working restoration workshop here too for a real insight into the hard work put into cleaning up these old cars.

Visit the National Trust's Castle Drogo too and Parke Estate, or venture out to Chagford, Tavistock and Exeter for plenty more activities and attractions.

For a memorable holiday to Devon with your loved ones choose Lion House.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

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About the location

MORETONHAMPSTEAD

Chagford 5 miles; Tavistock 20 miles; Exeter 27 miles.

A picturesque town at the northern point of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, Moretonhampstead, is small in size but is packed with amenities and things to do. There is a wide range of shops as well as four pubs and an open-air swimming pool to enjoy at your leisure, an art gallery and a motor museum. The Miniature Pony Centre is also only a short drive away and is perfect for a day out. Nearby you will find the market town of Chagford, also dotted with cafes and eateries, whilst Exeter is a car journey away, home to several manicured gardens, River Exe, and Barley Valley Nature Reserve.

Please Note: Owner provides a parking permit for duration of stay.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Loved the cottage's quirkiness.”

“We very much enjoyed our stay at Lion House.”

“It is difficult to find words to express what a truly beautiful property Lion House is and to add to what has already been said in other reviews.”

“Amazing old bank building with nice old features like the original safe door, great decor, modern touches, huge roof terrace, all right in the centre of the town.”

“Second time at Lion House and look forward to going back.”

“Lion House was beautifully appointed and provided an exceptionally comfortable stay.”

“This is a stunning holiday cottage.”

“Lion House is a fantastic base from which to explore Dartmoor.”

“Aga not working, tv not working but rectified after 4 days, owner aware it wasnt working before our visit.”

“This was my second stay in the Lion House.”

“We had a great stay at lion house, loved the bank features still in place and loved using the aga to cook on.”

“A lovely quirky week away.”

“The house is very comfortable and in a good location for touring both Dartmoor and South Devon Coast.”

“We had a really lovely stay and thoroughly enjoyed Lion House.”

“A very nice, interesting accommodation with a nice flair.”

“Absolutely loved Lion House.”

“Amazing property in the centre of this small delightful town.”

“Lovely quirky accommodation.”

“We enjoyed our stay at Lion House The location is great a few doors down from the grocery store, butcher and greengrocer.”

“Lion House is top quality.”

“This is a quirky property as described in the listing.”

“We really enjoyed our week at the Lion house, initially we weren’t sure on how to use the Aga but after speaking to the owner it was easy to use and lovely for jacket potatoes.”

“Lion House is absolutely gorgeous.”

“We really enjoyed staying at Lion House for our week.”

“Such a quirky, in a good way, property!”

“Had a great time in this quirky, unusual converted bank.”

“Lovely spacious holiday let felt like home as soon we walked in.”

“Lovely property with some unique and original features from its former bank days.”

“Lion House was a very comfortable spacious property, carpets were a little tired & scruffy in places.”

“Lion house is a lovely place to stay in, clean and comfortable it was a good place for us to stay”

“The property was lovely, the lack of pantry space was the only minor disappointment.”

“Lion House is an excellent base for a visit to Devon.”

“The listing on Sykes detailed an immaculate property, in reality the property is very tired and In need of some TLC.”

“Amazing accommodation, very clean and very helpful host.”

“Lion House was absolutely gorgeous.”

“Lion House, Moretonhampstead is just wonderful.”

“Lion House needs to be experienced.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

MORETONHAMPSTEAD